Gintama (銀魂) is a manga series by Hideaki Sorachi which currently runs in Weekly Shonen Jump, and also has an anime counterpart running on TV Tokyo. Set in an alternate universe where aliens invaded aliens during the Edo period. In a world where the fallen samurai cannot carry swords in public, a group of “freelancers” – Gintoki Sakata, Shinpachi Shimura and the alien Kagura – band together to try to pay rent, while Gintoki pursues the latest issue of Shonen Jump and parfaits. Strange things happen in this off-the-wall comedic series. Very strange things.

In this universe, the Bakufu have a police force: the Shinsengumi (新選組). Lead by Kondou Isao (who has a thing for Shinpachi’s sister Tae), they often become entangled in the Odd Jobs Gin group… The other main members featured are Hijikata Toshiro is the Vice-Commander who loves mayonnaise, Okita Sogo is the Captain of the 1st Division whose bazooka is more often than not pointed over at Hijikata, and the ninja spy (and badminton enthusiast) Yamazaki Sagaru. There is also an advisor, Ito Kamotaro… but most of the rest have yet to be named or seen!